Following this weekend's WGI Advisory Board meetings in Las Vegas, all three of WGI's divisions (color guard, percussion, and winds) will see changes to their rules and policies in the upcoming season.

WGI's three advisory boards are made up of one representative from each Independent World and Scholastic World finalist and the top five finalists from all other classes of competition at the most recent world championships. 

The groups submitted rule and policy change proposals over the last few months to be voted upon by their own appropriate advisory board. You can read the full list of proposals and see the voting results on WGI's website, here: Guard, Percussion, and Winds.

Each proposal lists the number of "yeas," "nays," and abstentions in parentheses.

Color Guard

Passed Proposals:

• Proposal #1 (25-18-3): A Class finalists have been reduced to 20 (from 24) for Scholastic and 15 (from 20) for Independent in an effort to hold A Class Finals in UD Arena and eliminate additional admission cost.
• Proposal #6 (28-17-1): WGI will use the highest number that guards receive per weekend for seeding purposes leading into WGI World Championships.
• Proposal #9 (37-8-1): Plans to figure out a streamlined walkthrough process for oversized props that do not fit out of the regular floor exit.
• Proposal #10 (23-14-9): Eliminate non-finalist backside seating ticket prices at WGI Regionals.
• Proposal #11 (38-7-1): Move design analysis judges to the highest position when possible, above general effect judges.
• Proposal #15 (39-2-5): Redefinition of who makes up the advisory board. Read the full description.
• Proposal #17 (41-5): Any proposals passed by a vote must remain in place for a minimum of 2 years.
• Proposal #18 (41-5): Establish defined locations for seams and grid markings on the black tarp provided by WGI for groups that decide not to use a floor covering.
• Proposal #19 (41-0-5): "Pageantry resumes" for all WGI color guard judges will be published to WGI's director's page for units to review.
• Proposal #34 (35-11): "Explore eliminating maximum performance time for World Class."

Notable Failed Proposals:

• Proposal #29 (25-20-1): Raise Independent Open age limit to 25.
• Proposal #33 (25-20-1): Modification to a rule reducing the "Interval" time for all A, Open, and World Class color guards by 1 minute.

Percussion

Passed Proposals:

• Proposal #10 (47-3): Adds definition to a policy stating how many Concert Open ensembles will advance to finals (75%, up to a max of 12 ensembles).
• Proposal #11/12 (49-1): Big update to current visual/music judge sheets. Read the full proposal.
• Proposal #15 (44-6): Proposal requiring a two-thirds majority vote to pass proposals.
• Proposal #20 (45-5): Eliminates fees for independent ensembles to have merchandise booths at all WGI regionals, at the Board of Director's discretion.

Notable Failed Proposals:

• Proposal #4 (26-24): Proposal removing importance of placement in previous rounds. This proposal, if passed, would instead place groups in ascending score order.

Winds

Passed Proposals:

• Proposal #3 (23-1): Eliminates "box 6" from the judging sheets.
• Proposal #5 (22-1-1): Clarifies language that defines the minimum membership requirements and more regarding conducting performers.
• Proposal #6 (23-0-1): Any damage caused by ensembles that may occur to facilities will be penalized one-tenth of a point per each point of contact, for each piece of equipment.
• Proposal #7 (22-1-1): Clarification to a rule stating that "a performer in the competition area must control all lighting and robotic devices."
• Proposal #8 (23-0-1): Amends a penalty for the use of prohibited items. Usage of prohibited equipment may result in a 10-point penalty or possibly disqualification.
• Proposal #9 (23-0-1): Addition to a rule stating that glass may not be used within the performance area.
• Proposal #10 (21-2-1): Rule clarification adding that all performers must remain within the competition area for the entire performance once it begins.